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Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap

May 25, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Love Overboard: A Novel

Author: Shannon Sue Dunlap

Genre:Christian Romcom

Release date: May 21, 2024

When four quirky friends retire on a never-ending round of cruises, their attire consists of more than floral shirts and gaudy skirts. Armed with walkie-talkies and battle plans, these relationship experts—who’ve dubbed themselves the “Shippers”—target hostess Lacey Anderson and director Jonathan King in their romantic schemes. However, the young couple is determined not to play along, having previously sailed the tumultuous seas of love only to witness their relationship crash and burn.

Boss matchmaker Emily Windsor has orchestrated multiple romantic successes, and these two upstarts certainly won’t get the best of her. The chemistry between Lacey and Jonathan is obvious, but the couple rebuffs every outlandish plot and “coincidental” meeting, forcing the Shippers to chart a new course to true love—all while inadvertently thwarting drug smugglers threatening to ruin their floating home.

Can they untangle the mess of romance and intrigue before it’s too late, or will their journey end in heartbreak and disaster? Shannon Sue Dunlap’s enthralling new series unfolds a tale where love, laughter, and danger converge in an entertaining maritime adventure.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Shannon Sue Dunlaplives in hot and humid Houston, Texas where she writes love stories with a laugh-out-loud center. She enjoys traveling around the world, singing tunes from classic musicals, and drinking Dr. Pepper. Shannon is a die-hard fan of happy endings and believes God has designed one for each of us.

More from Shannon

My attention zeroed in on the tv screen where a darling elderly woman happily danced with a man in a captain’s uniform. The feature report told how she’d forsaken the nursing home and chosen to live her retirement on a cruise ship instead. Afterward, the wheels in my brain started to churn. What if there wasn’t just one woman, but a whole group? And what if they amused themselves by matchmaking the young people around them? Thus, the idea for Love Overboard started to form.

I related to my wandering heroines. Traveling is “in my blood.” I was three months old when my parents hit the road. (Or so they tell me. I really don’t remember.) It was the 70s and Dad was a traveling preacher called an evangelist. He and mom started out with their newborn baby in a Toronado Oldsmobile. And even after we made a permanent home in Virginia, they kept traveling.

No wonder my feet itch.

In those many journeys, of course there were books. Daydreams of detectives and western heroes and ladies in fancy dresses kept me company in the backseat. I’d finish the stack of novels I brought with me, and my parents would stop at whatever town we were near and look up a Christian bookstore to restock my supply.

Now, it tickles my fancy to think my stories might be keeping someone else company in their plane seat or deck chair. As I write, of course, I keep traveling. I’ve taught school in Botswana, driven on the left side of a rain-slicked Scottish road, twirled in front of Mr. Darcy’s Pemberly (the Colin Firth version), visited Prince Edward Island for the 100th anniversary of Anne of Green Gables, and been serenaded by an opera singer on a European river cruise. (I don’t mean in the audience. He took me from my seat, wrapped his arms around me, and let the crescendos fly.) Learning about the history of places and trying crazy new dishes makes life more interesting. The most unique thing I remember eating is Mopani worm in Zambia. (It tasted like crunchy dirt.)

As Love Overboard releases, I’d like to give a big shoutout to that daring little old lady that lent me inspiration. Perhaps I’ll follow her example when I reach my 80s. No matter how long is ordained for my time on this planet, I hope books and traveling will always play a part in my story.

My Impressions

“The Shippers are after me.”

Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap is a hilarious, LOL a minute cozy mystery. While the main protagonists are Lacy Anderson, the cruise ship’s hostess, and Jonathan King, the new cruise director, it is the Shippers that are the scene stealers.

Four Septuagenarians, all widowed or never married, led by Emily Windsor, live on the Monarch cruise line ship and occupy their time on board by targeting various people to become a successful product of the matchmaking shenanigans. And Emily and her posse are an impossible force to reckon with!

You get an idea of Emily’s personality quickly as the novel starts out and she thinks of the first mate, Peter. “His frowsy white-blond hair and pasty complexion combined with his pristine uniform to give him the appearance of a skinny, befuddled ear swab.” Oy, vey, you know these ladies are going to be a hoot!!

Lacy and Jon had dated a few years prior, but Lacey suddenly disappeared from the relationship, and when Jon requires an answer as they re-acquaint, her reply is that they were only friends. Even as the over-the-top, extremely creative and invasive machinations of the Shippers throw Lacy and Jon together in situations that should encourage a romance, Lacey gives out mixed signals. Why is she acting interested one moment and like an ice princess the next?

Jon, for all his determination that Lacey is the one for him, is hiding a few secrets.

Why he is really on this particular ship as cruise director? What is his relationship with his boss? I hear the song, “Honesty”by Billy Joel in my head for background for these scenes.

And the mystery is just right for a cozy. Drugs are somewhere are the ship, but where? Who deserves the retired FBI agent’s suspicions and who is a waste of his time following? And, in Jon’s opinion, how does such a bumbling detective deserve the important task given him?

One more thought. There is a faith element in this book, with a great question posed more than once by snoopy Emily, “ Did you pray about it?” Simple, direct, and convicting! I also loved that Dunlap presents swearing, a lot, but cleanly, creatively, and effectively! Amante, a troublesome passenger and known online reviewer, releases plenty of blue streaks to describe dissatisfaction with any little or big imposition. “Words poured from his mouth like dirty water from a sanitation hose. If he were on television, the censor’s finger would tire of pressing the bleep button.” “Did this guy swallow a four-letter dictionary?”I really love it when writers describe swearing so well, yet the reader doesn’t have to read actual cuss words!

I also love that by the end of the novel, we are not left with a cliff-hanger, but we are given enough of a preview of the sequel that I am salivating for that one!!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“There are two things you can’t avoid in life: love and death. Be prepared for whichever one comes first.”

“verbal atomic bomb” [ Ha, I want to remember and use this one!!]

“He watched her leave. Again. Like they were stuck on a sick, twisted carousel, going around and around but never getting anywhere. What were the secret words that would make her stay?”

“But pushy people can also push others away.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent!! Only read if you love to laugh yourself silly!!

Blogs Stops

Pause for Tales, May 24

Wishful Endings, May 24

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 25

Texas Book-aholic, May 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 27

Stories By Gina, May 28 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 28

The Sacred Line, May 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 1

For Him and My Family, June 2

The Lofty Pages, June 3

Labor Not in Vain, June 4

Holly’s Book Corner, June 5

She Lives To Read, June 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shannon Sue is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2b9d5/love-overboard-celebration-tour

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, Purchase

Mabel and the Little Green Men by Susan Kimmel Wright

May 16, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Mabel and the Little Green Men

Author: Susan Kimmel Wright

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release date: October 5, 2023

The last thing Mabel needed was a flying saucer, not to mention a rash of similar sightings all over town. Her life’s already been upended by getting fired and moving to Grandma’s old house in Medicine Spring. So far, the deceptively sleepy village has delivered several murders—and romance with a handsome private investigator. Are little green men next?

While Mabel tries to get to the bottom of the apparent space invasion, she also gets herself caught between competing candidates for township supervisor. Small-town politics call for more diplomacy than she has—not to mention the ability to duck, run, and hide.

And unfortunately, her UFO investigation only raises more questions. Long-buried secrets surface, all tied to one night in 1958 and another seeming alien attack. But something more troublesome than any Martian invasion is on its way. A film crew descends, bent on producing a documentary on the historic UFO crash. Hordes of tourists follow, all infected with flying saucer fever. When an all-too-human body turns up at the alleged alien gravesite in a local cemetery, Mabel realizes murder is bound to follow her, whether of this world or not.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan Kimmel Wright began her life of mystery as a child, with reading. That led to writing kids’ mysteries and eventually to Medicine Spring with Mabel. A longtime member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, Susan’s also a prolific writer of personal experience stories, many for Chicken Soup for the Soul. She shares an 1875 farmhouse in southwestern PA with her husband, several dogs and cats, and an allegedly excessive stockpile of coffee and tea mugs.

More from Susan

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s a…UFO?

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and seen something you couldn’t explain? What did you—or would you—do? Call a friend? The police department? Post a picture on social media? Or maybe you’d keep it quiet, trying to convince yourself it was a figment of your imagination.

In Mabel & the Little Green Men, I had so much fun giving Mabel a UFO encounter and then seeing where it led her, while more sightings and the arrival of a TV documentary crew turned the small town of Medicine Spring topsy-turvy. Wacky characters and situations kept surprising me too!

My best friend has had UFO encounters—twice. Once, while sitting at her desk studying, she looked out to see a strange light hovering beyond her window. Another time, she spotted a large object in the sky ahead of her while driving home alone from a movie. Alas, though I’ve scanned the skies for years, this has never happened to me!

My friend is far from the only sane person to report seeing a UFO. Every year, hundreds of sightings are reported in the US, including many from police, ministers, military pilots, and others not known for fabrication or flights of fantasy. The term UFO (unidentified flying object), as well as the now-preferred term UAP (unidentified aerial phenomenon), both simply refer to an airborne object that can’t be readily identified. Neither term has anything whatsoever to do with flying saucers or “little green men.”

Most UFOs are eventually explained—some as atmospheric events, deflated balloons, or experimental aircraft. But the mystery fascinates me—especially for the handful that have never been satisfactorily explained.

While I’ve never personally seen a UFO, many people in my area reported the 1965 crash of the Kecksburg “space acorn,” an event now celebrated with an annual festival benefiting the fire department. Do you have a UFO story in your town?

My Impressions

Mabel and the Little Green Men by Susan Kimmel Wright is such a fun cozy! I laughed my way through, loudly, from beginning to end. I think this may be the most realistic cozy series I‘ve read, while still being hilarious.

Mabel herself is such a relatable, yet entertaining heroine. A fifty-something spinster, on the frumpy side, success is not her friend. Unless you count the murders she’s solved in previous books. Somehow she does this while muddling her way through life. Her boyfriend, John, and friend, Lisa, help ground Mabel a bit.

While the murder doesn’t occur until well into the second half, there is no shortage of emotion, temper, or action in the whole novel. Very evenly paced and compelling as you try to figure out who or what force is behind the 1958 UFO event, and why Medicine Spring is the sudden hubbub of UFO( although the book gives it a more up-to-date term) activity.

I sure would like to see a book four!

I received a copy of the book from the author and Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent!! I love bungling Mabel and her adventures! I hope there will be many more to come!!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 17

Stories By Gina, May 18 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, May 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 19

Texas Book-aholic, May 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 21 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 22

Blogging With Carol, May 23

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 24

Vicky Sluiter, May 25 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, May 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 27

Lily’s Corner, May 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 29 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, May 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package of $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2b7cd/mabel-and-the-little-green-men-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, Launch Team, Purchase, Wild Heart Books

Love’s Promise by Penny Zeller Review and Giveaway

April 11, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Love’s Promise

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 19, 2024

Can one man’s love win a fragile woman’s heart?
After Amaya Alvarado lost her fiancé to a senseless tragedy, she vows never to love again. Two years later, at her grandmother’s request, she travels to Poplar Springs to assist with the mercantile and help care for her ailing grandfather. During a stagecoach accident and a confrontation with nefarious outlaws, she crosses paths with a man named Silas McFadden who rescues her and the other passengers. A bond between them soon forms.
Silas is not the man he once was. After a stint on the wrong side of the law, he’s now a respectable rancher in Poplar Springs, Wyoming. After becoming a man of faith, he determines to live his life for the One who gave him a second chance. He just never imagined that second chance might include Amaya. Now all he has to do is ensure his past doesn’t return and destroy his and Amaya’s fragile relationship.
Amaya’s and Silas’s friendship soon grows, and she begins to trust him with everything but her heart. Can she push her growing feelings for him aside? After all, isn’t it betraying her fiancé to care for another man the way she has grown to care for Silas?
When the past comes back to haunt him and revenge is sought, can Silas protect the woman he has come to love?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is the author of nearly two dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, bicycling/cycling, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers.

More from Penny

In Love’s Promise, one of the tender memories main male character, Silas McFadden, recalls is, as a young’un, making his Oma carrot cake for her birthday from her favorite recipe.

Big clumsy hands weren’t helpful when it came to cracking the eggs and scooping the batter into the pan. He’d opened the oven door at least twenty times in the course of the cake baking just to be sure he didn’t burn it. For if he did, there were no more ingredients.

The icing was runny, but Oma hadn’t minded. When she finally returned home, Silas had the cake waiting for her. She had cried, told him how much she loved him, and then together, they’d eaten the entire cake that evening.

I’d love to share with you Oma’s recipe, which in actuality, is a family recipe.

Oma’s Carrot Cake

2 c. flour, sifted

2 c. sugar

2 tsp. soda

2 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Sift together the above ingredients and set aside.

3 c. grated carrots

4 eggs

1 ½ c. oil

Mix well 1 c. carrots with 1 egg and ½ c. of oil. Repeat twice and add extra egg with last mixing. Combine with dry ingredients. Mix well.

Pour into greased pan and bake at 350º for one hour. Cool. Frost if desired.

My Impressions

“But I know without a doubt that the Lord is the giver of second chances, and He gave me a second chance. My Oma never once stopped praying for me.”

Penny Zeller always draws me into her historical romance novels that are peppered liberally with faith and humor. The faith aspect isn’t overbearing, just right for the situation. The humor keeps me in stitches, and the clean romance keeps me reading. This is Love’s Promise, book four of the Wyoming Sunrise series. It could be read as a standalone, but old friends appear to help flesh out the book.

The year is 1897. Loner Silas McFadden has a ranch outside town, but often rides with the Poplar Springs, Wyoming, posse when trouble arises. “Grandmama” Alvarado, a good friend who with her ailing husband owns a mercantile, asks Silas to meet her granddaughter’s (Amaya’s) stagecoach. Silas is amazed at what he finds when he first meets Amaya.

Amaya and Silas develop a friendship and more as they work to help Amaya’s grandfather’s health improve and also help a very-worn out “Grandmama.”

There are so many humorous moments in the book. When I realized again just who Sheriff Ambrose Miller Eliason is, along with his friend, Grumbles. How seriously Ambrose takes his position! When Silas goes (of course, only as moral support) with his lovelorn friend to the town matchmaker! That whole thread is a hoot!!

There are also some very sad times, as we see into both Silas and Amaya’s respective pasts. One is not sure of acceptance from people or God, and finally gets this great advice: “When we are truly His, nothing and no one can snatch us from His hand. When you make mistakes, and you will, you will remain His. Held forever in His grasp from now through eternity.”

In the meantime, both Silas and Amaya have lost someone very dear to them, and that influences their future steps. Unfortunately, the past catches up with Silas, before he is ready to share it with his new friends in this new town.

If not Ambrose, my fave characters would be the three orphan siblings who are discovered outside of town. Their story thread is tragic and uncertain. Grandmama has to remind Amaya, “God will take care of them, Amaya. He loves them even more than you do.” This is a great reminder for any of us who worry about loved ones of any age. We need to pray and do what we can, but refuse to fret, realizing the Almighty holds our loved ones in His loving Hands.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. I also purchased my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotable:

“If you keep your eyes on Jesus, you’ll have no room for fretting.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blog Stops

Madi’s Musings, April 2

The Lofty Pages , April 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 3

lakesidelivingsite, April 4

She Lives To Read, April 5

Connie’s History Classroom, April 5

Alena Mentink, April 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 7

Holly’s Book Corner, April 7

Texas Book-aholic, April 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 10

Pause for Tales, April 10

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 11

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 12

Cover Lover Book Review, April 12

For Him and My Family, April 13

Devoted To Hope, April 13

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 14 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 14

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 15

Splashes of Joy, April 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2ac73/love-s-promise-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, Kregel, PB, Purchase

Mini-Reviews/Spotlights for “Squeezed in” Books of 2023,

December 28, 2023December 28, 2023 Babbling Becky L

Mini Reviews/Spotlights on These Books

I purposely left much of December open because of our schedule. Much to my delight, I found time to read these three books, all paperbacks (a rarity for me.) I met two of the authors, Crystal Caudill ( We Three Kings) and Carrie Turansky (The Legacy of Longdale Manor) at ACFW StoryFest in St. Louis in August.

I loved Crystal’s servant heart. She is so sweet! She writes sweet, Christian historical fiction. I have yet to meet Angela Ruth Strong, but hoping that will be soon. She is a hoot, and one should never miss her rom-coms!! Carrie Putman is a history professor who brings WWII times to life. The good, the bad, the redemptive!

I talked to Carrie Turansky for several minutes about the American Orphan Train and the British equivalent. ( Did you know there was such a thing?) Carrie is a historical wealth of knowledge on that subject!! I could have talked to her all day!!

Maddie Day ( who has a few aliases ) has written a clean cozy series that struck a chord in my heart A County Story Mystery series. I like to say they are about the “near South,” as a Northerner. Series takes place in the hills of Southern Indiana, not far from Bloomington.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky

Two women–a century apart–embark on a journey to healing, faith, forgiveness, and romance.

In 2012, art historian Gwen Morris travels to England’s Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she meets David Bradford–the owner’s handsome grandson–who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a luxury hotel. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd’s staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she’s left searching for answers.

In 1912, after her father’s death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte’s grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again.

Praise for The Legacy of Longdale Manor

“This novel will stir your faith–and your desire to visit England’s Lake District!”–JULIE KLASSEN, bestselling author

“Turansky opens the door of Longdale Manor and invites readers to explore the secrets hidden inside.”–MELANIE DOBSON, award-winning author

“A beautiful book to warm and lift the heart.”–CATHY GOHLKE, Christy Hall of Fame author

CARRIE TURANSKY is the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She loved traveling to England to research her latest Edwardian novels including No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and The Highland Hall series. Her novels have received stared reviews from Christianbooks.com and Library Journal. They have been translated into several languages and enjoyed by readers around the world. Connect with Carrie on her website: http://carrieturansky.com/, and on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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I loved this book detailing a painful failure, distant relationships with those one needs affection and love from, add in one reluctant romance, plus a generous, no questions asked acceptance from a non-family member. How God works in our lives through both good and bad to bind up our deep-seated wounds!

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We Three Kings & The Legacy Of Longdale Manor -photobombed by my daughter’s attention-seeking dog!!

We Three Kings by Crystal Caudill, Cara Putman, and Angela Ruth Strong

In this Christmas collection, Weise men still seek Jesus–and love

Best-selling romance authors Caudill, Putman, and Strong follow three generations of the Weise family in this third collection of Christmas novellas from Kregel that will prove just as popular as the previous award-winning volumes.

1. “Star of Wonder” by Crystal Caudill

The Christmas-themed maiden voyage of his family’s grand steamer ship was supposed to be Aldrich Weise’s chance both to instill investor confidence and to romance Celestia Isaacs. Instead, he must foil a criminal and leave his lady love behind forever.

Crystal Caudill is a tea-drinking, book-hoarding, history nerd. Her award-winning stories are ripe with history, danger, love, and hope. When not writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her husband and boys, caregiving for loved ones, hiding in a book, drinking copious amounts of hot tea, or connecting with readers. You can connect with her at http://www.crystalcaudill.com or by joining her newsletter crew at bitly.com/CaudillNews.

2. “Beauty Bright” by Cara Putman

Lieutenant Charles Weise served as a Monuments Man after World War II and now works to restore stolen art to rightful owners. Captain Lillian Thorsen pairs up with him not only to return treasures but also to fix the war-torn lives around them.

Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I’ve been writing award-winning books with the count currently climbing to 40 published and more in the works.

In addition to writing, I am a mom of four, attorney, Clinical Assistant Professor at a Big Ten university who also runs a center, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband, and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School, and Purdue University’s MBA program. You can learn more about my books at http://www.caraputman.com. And if you’d like a copy of my legal suspense novella, Dying for Love, simply connect with me here (http://www.caraputman.com/contact/) , and I’ll send you the link.

3. “Perfect Light” by Angela Ruth Strong

Essential oils mogul Brendon Wise is drawn to Lacey Foster, the event planner for his huge Christmas lights festival. But when he inadvertently makes a spectacle of her on television, Lacey wants nothing to do with him. Will a chance to give gifts to those in need at Christmas be the key to discovering common ground–and maybe love?

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first romance novel in 2009, and her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been a finalist for the Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon bestsellers. Her book Finding Love in Big Sky released as a movie in 2022. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she blogs for Inspy Romance and My Book Therapy. Get to know her even better at http://www.angelaruthstrong.com.

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I loved the way each author contributed to the Christmas anthology, We Three Kings, by drawing on their strengths. Crystal Caudill writes intriguing historical fiction, easy to follow and always with a good romantic thread, including faith. We see the foundations of the Weise empire of at least family being built.

Cara Putman picks up just after WWII, with two very different individuals attempting to catalogue snd restore stolen art treasures to surviving Jewish families. One of their biggest hurts is, the people they are bending over backwards to help, would rather spit in their face. It takes much prayer, determination, and ingenuity to find solutions.

Angela Ruth Strong excels in contemporary romance. I love to read her work, because no matter the seriousness of the situation, Angela will include humor and a positive spin because of her faith in Jesus. Of course, her characters just might find romance, because, well, she loves to take the impossible and make it possible through Christ.

*************************************************

Grilled for Murder by Maddie Day

The author of Flipped for Murder serves up a culinary cozy with all “the right combos for an entertaining read”—includes recipes! (Nightstand Book Reviews).

Robbie Jordan may have had reservations about the murder victim, but she still needs to turn up the heat on a killer if she wants to keep her new restaurant open for business . . .

In the charming small town of South Lick, Indiana, Robbie has transformed a rundown country store into the runaway hit Pans ’N Pancakes. But the most popular destination for miles around can also invite trouble. Erica Shermer may be the widow of handsome local lawyer Jim Shermer’s brother, but she doesn’t appear to be in mourning. At a homecoming party held in Robbie’s store, Erica is alternately obnoxious and flirtatious—even batting her eyelashes at Jim. When Erica turns up dead in the store the next morning, apparently clobbered with cookware, the police suspect Robbie’s friend Phil, who closed up after the party. To clear Phil and calm her customers, Robbie needs to step out from behind the counter and find the real killer in short order . . .“Grilled for Murder was another good mystery from the Country Store . . . Recommended for all cozy lovers!”—Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!

Maddie Day is a talented amateur chef and holds a PhD in linguistics from Indiana University. An Agatha Award-winning author, Maddie writes the Country Store, Cozy Capers Book Group, and Cece Barton Mysteries, all from Kensington Publishing.

As Edith Maxwell, she write the Local Foods Mysteries (Kensington Publishing) and the Quaker Midwife Mysteries (Beyond the Page), as well as award-winning short crime fiction.

You can find all Maddie’s/Edith’s identities and work at http://www.edithmaxwell.com. She blogs every week day with the other Wicked Authors at wickedauthors.com and every second and fourth Fridays at mysteryloverskitchen.com. Look for her as Maddie Day/ Edith Maxwell on Facebook and @edithmaxwell and @maddiedayauthor on Twitter and Instagram.

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Something about the down-home, never-in-a-hurry atmosphere of the rolling hills of this area of our country attracts me and draws me in. Probably reminds me of the time I spent in Southern Ohio. So many similarities.

And a little country store/restaurant. A town where everybody knows your name… and unfortunately, your business.

Yummy food with recipes. A murder off page with almost everyone a suspect. Just good, clean fun.

************************************************

My Ratings

I gave all three books five stars.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Each was deserving in its genre!

ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, Purchase

When Love Comes by Penny Zeller Review and Giveaway

December 5, 2023December 11, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: When Love Comes

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: December 5, 2023

Can love be found amidst broken hearts and unexpected loss?

Determined to heal her broken heart, Charlotte Eliason visits her aunts in Prune Creek, Wyoming. What should be a time of peace and calm becomes one of chaos and unwelcome surprises when she discovers her longtime foe, Tobias Hallman, is the new blacksmith. To make matters worse, her two meddlesome aunts are constantly inviting him to supper and encouraging friendship between the two sworn enemies.
Tobias Hallman has always wanted to be a blacksmith, so when an opportunity arises to own his own shop in Prune Creek, he seizes it. However, he doesn’t expect to cross paths with his childhood nemesis, the annoying Charlotte Eliason.
When tragedy strikes, close proximity soon forces two reluctant hearts to become allies in a quest to rescue Tobias’s orphaned niece. Can Charlotte and Tobias put aside their preconceived disdain for each other and find love in the midst of challenging circumstances? Does God have a plan for them and for a young girl grieving the untimely loss of her parents?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Today Penny is a multi-published author of nearly two books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.

More from Penny

One of the most exciting things about writing a book is creating memorable characters. I couldn’t wait for Charlotte and Tobias to have their own story—and to revisit Aunt Myrtle and Aunt Fern. I hope you enjoy this short excerpt from When Love Comes.

Blessings,

Penny

“Charlotte! Oh, Charlotte!” Two jubilant voices garnered her attention. Aunt Myrtle and Aunt Fern waved at her from the north end of the boardwalk. Charlotte bustled her way through the crowds and toward the aunts.

My, but if they hadn’t begun to have a strong resemblance in their older years. Both had completely gray hair, and while Aunt Fern wore spectacles, her round face and pert nose matched her sister’s.

“Best not ever say they resemble each other,” Ma told her before she embarked on this trip. “Even if they do. For you might find yourself sleeping in the chicken coop for such a comment.” Ma and Charlotte had laughed over that, even as Ma insisted it would be detrimental to suggest their likeness.

“Look at you! You’ve grown into such a lovely young lady,” Aunt Myrtle wrapped her arms around Charlotte. “We’re so glad you’re here.”

Aunt Fern gave her a hug next. “Yes, we are. It’s been too long since an Eliason was here in Prune Creek. The buggy is thisaway. It’s a slight bit too far for us to walk to the Peabody house these days.”

“Too far for you, maybe,” chided Aunt Myrtle. She fingered her decorative hat. “What do you think about my hat, Charlotte? Mrs. Peabody was about to discard it when I salvaged it.”

Since she was taller than Aunt Myrtle, Charlotte could see the top of the hat and the fake bird immersed in a portable flower garden. “It’s lovely.”

“Well, it is not,” declared Aunt Fern. “Who wears a hat with a bird on it?”

Aunt Myrtle lifted her chin, nearly causing the hat to topple from her head. “Women of high society who take a fancy to the latest and most elegant fashions.”

“But you’re neither.”

“Pshaw. Hush, Fern.”

They walked down the boardwalk on the way to the buggy. As they passed the barbershop, a balding man with the thickest spectacles Charlotte had ever seen perched in the entryway. “Well, hello, Fern. Would you like a haircut?”

“You know full and well, Mr. Gorman, that I do not need a haircut.” Aunt Fern fluffed her gray curls and tossed him a disgusted look. “That vexing man asks me if I would like a haircut every time I walk by the barbershop. Far be it from me to allow someone with magnifying glasses for spectacles to see well enough to fashion my coiffure.”

My Impressions

“Sometimes the Good Lord places folks in our lives who become far more than mere friends.”

Penny Zeller takes us back in time to Prune Creek, Wyoming, in 1895. Charlotte Eliason has had her heart broken, and has traveled to live with her two perpetually bickering aunts.

Charlotte is shocked to discover that the young smithy her aunts want to set her up with is none other than Tobias Hallman, her childhood nemesis.

This old West romance is perfect for those who like the enemies-to-friends-to-more trope. Expect the meddling aunts to provide tons of humor. You’ve just got to love Myrtle and Fern! And little Lanie will both become endearing and break your heart! One of the best things about this book, is that it really can be read as a stand-alone, even though it’s part of a series. (But honestly, the books are too good to miss any.)

I think I would truly have enjoyed living in this town and having a front row seat to the romance and hilarity. I might forego an invitation to supper, though!

One thing Tobias doesn’t understand is how Charlotte can re-read a book four or more times, and he can’t resist needling her. “I do know, however, that if I read a book once I can be assured it will end the same way should I read it a second time. Now on the fourth time, the ending might change.”

One of my fave lines shows Charlotte’s maturity and trust in God. “God wasn’t caught unaware. He knows this is happening and the repercussions…We need to begin collecting prayers.” Sounds simple, but life is being turned topsy-turvy as she proclaims her faith, and encourages another to stand on her faith plateau.

I highly recommend When Love Comes. I received a copy from the author, and from Celebrate Lit, and I bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“I don’t regret the life God chose for me. What I do regret is the bitterness.”

“Don’t be like I’ve been. Forgive, move on, and await with anticipation the life God has planned for you.”

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I always enjoy Penny Zeller’s historical romances!! And we get a heaping helping of the hilarious great aunts in this one!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 6

lakesidelivingsite, December 6

Alena Mentink, December 7

She Lives To Read, December 8

Vicky Sluiter, December 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 9

Texas Book-aholic, December 10

EmpowerMoms, December 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 13

Devoted To Hope, December 14

Cover Lover Book Review, December 14

For Him and My Family, December 15

Holly’s Book Corner, December 16

Connie’s History Classroom, December 16

Splashes of Joy, December 17

Pause for Tales, December 18

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 19

Mary Hake, December 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2924a/when-love-comes-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, Purchase

When Love Comes by Penny Zeller Review

November 21, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: When Love Comes

Series: Wyoming Sunrise #3

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Releases: December 5, 2023

Can love be found amidst broken hearts and unexpected loss?

Determined to heal her broken heart, Charlotte Eliason visits her aunts in Prune Creek, Wyoming. What should be a time of peace and calm becomes one of chaos and unwelcome surprises when she discovers her longtime foe, Tobias Hallman, is the new blacksmith. To make matters worse, her two meddlesome aunts are constantly inviting him to supper and encouraging friendship between the two sworn enemies.

Tobias Hallman has always wanted to be a blacksmith, so when an opportunity arises to own his own shop in Prune Creek, he seizes it. However, he doesn’t expect to cross paths with his childhood nemesis, the annoying Charlotte Eliason.

When tragedy strikes, close proximity soon forces two reluctant hearts to become allies in a quest to rescue Tobias’s orphaned niece. Can Charlotte and Tobias put aside their preconceived disdain for each other and find love in the midst of challenging circumstances? Does God have a plan for them and for a young girl grieving the untimely loss of her parents?

A woman with a broken heart. A man struggling with the loss of his brother and the subsequent care of his young niece. And two silly aunts who discover it’s never too late for true love.

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is a multi-published author of over a dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.

Penny is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website, http://www.pennyzeller.com, her blog, http://www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks. To sign up for her monthly newsletter with book news and other fun morsels, go to https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/262119/74964679867237940/share

My Impressions

“Sometimes the Good Lord places folks in our lives who become far more than mere friends.”

Penny Zeller takes us back in time to Prune Creek, Wyoming, in 1895. Charlotte Eliason has had her heart broken, and has traveled to live with her two perpetually bickering aunts.

Charlotte is shocked to discover that the young smithy her aunts want to set her up with is none other than Tobias Hallman, her childhood nemesis.

I think I would truly have enjoyed living in this town and having a front row seat to the romance and hilarity. I might forego an invitation to supper, though!

One thing Tobias doesn’t understand is how Charlotte can re-read a book four or more times, and he can’t resist needling her. “I do know, however, that if I read a book once I can be assured it will end the same way should I read it a second time. Now on the fourth time, the ending might change.”

One of my fave lines shows Charlotte’s maturity and trust in God. “God wasn’t caught unaware. He knows this is happening and the repercussions…We need to begin collecting prayers.” Sounds simple, but life is being turned topsy-turvy as she proclaims her faith, and encourages another to stand on her faith plateau.

I highly recommend When Love Comes.

I received a copy from the author, and from Celebrate Lit, and I bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“I don’t regret the life God chose for me. What I do regret is the bitterness.”

“Don’t be like I’ve been. Forgive, move on, and await with anticipation the life God has planned for you.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! I laughed (so hard!!) my way through this book, but also saw things to change in my own life!

ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, New-to-Me Author, Purchase

Tangles and Tinsel by Jennifer Sienes Review and Giveaway

November 7, 2023November 7, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Tangles and Tinsel

Author: Jennifer Sienes

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance, Christmas Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and Southern Fiction

Release Date: November 21, 2023

Why didn’t her life get the memo regarding Christmas being about peace on Earth and goodwill to men?

For the first Christmas in years, Kimberley Saint John may actually get that peace on Earth she’s been dreaming of. Daddy has been sober for going on two years (a record), and if he stays that way, she might have a chance for a life of her own. Maybe even a family. And between you, her, and the fence post, she’d love it if that family included her childhood friend Jax Jenson and his kids.

Except he’s still mourning the loss of his wife.

Jax doesn’t understand why no one has snatched up sweet, beautiful, and funny Kim. Then again, the way she carries hurt and betrayal around like battle gear might have something to do with it. And he is not knight-in-shining-armor material. His wife could’ve told her that.

Kim’s dreams are shattered when Mama shows up, after a twenty-year absence, sending Kim into a tailspin of worry for her daddy. Desperate, she turns to the one man who gets her—Jax.

What will it take for Kim and Jax to untangle emotions that keep them from trusting in God’s sovereignty and find purpose through the pain?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jennifer Sienesholds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education but discovered life-experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance and writing–and puts it altogether in inspirational contemporary fiction. Her daughter’s TBI and brother’s suicide inspired two of her three novels. Although fiction writing is her real love, she’s had several non-fiction pieces published in anthologies–two in Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has two grown children and one very spoiled Maltese. California born and raised, she recently took a step of faith with her real-life hero and relocated to Tennessee.

Enjoy An Excerpt from the Book!

Why was it people made such a fuss over the holidays? Seemed to me, even if you had a perfect family, which I surely didn’t, it was still a crazy time when everyone one-upped each other. It was kind of like playing holiday poker. I’ll take your worries over how to seat twenty of your closest relatives and raise you one need to order a pre-cooked meal because I can’t even find time to shop. Of course, the shame of not having a homemade Thanksgiving supper raised the ante quite a bit, so I generally won.

Because Daddy and me would have a couple of kids with us this year, I vowed things would be different. I was even willing to shop, cook, and bake, which was the trifecta of disaster as far as I was concerned. I had nothing against shopping—it was part of my everyday life. Hunting down great deals on vintage furniture was in my job description. But food? Only as a source of survival. Spent too many years cooking for Daddy after Mama left us, and baking was downright messy and time consuming. I’d never be held up as a great example of a Southern lady. But I’d push through it for Nora and Chandler. And if I was going to be completely honest, maybe a little for their daddy, too.

Never could see myself with my own children. For one thing, though it might stretch the imagination of most to believe it, I was a traditionalist. Even if I hadn’t stepped foot into a church since I was fifteen, there was an order to life and love that shouldn’t be forsaken. Since I hadn’t been on a date for more months than I could count on both hands, it wasn’t likely I’d be getting married anytime soon. Might be my lack of culinary skills played into that some.

For another thing, I’d heard a couple of the older ladies in my apartment complex refer to me as a spinster. It would appear, unless God miraculously plopped Mr. Perfect-for-me on my doorstep this very day, I’d be too old to have kids even if I ever did get married. At thirty-five, I was already stretching the limits of my biological clock. Add to that a year or two of dating, then a proper engagement, and I might as well accept my lot in life—once I figured out what that was exactly.

My Impressions

“The real dream is the people we have in our lives, you know? And of course, the love of the Lord is the glue that holds it all together.”

Kimberley (Kim) has watched her life dream pass her by, as she has been her father’s support since his wife and her mother left when Kim was 15. Going to school, working, taking care of the house, and trying to keep track of her rarely sober father has exhausted Kim. She feels she has missed her life’s purpose, and anyone who tries to get close is shut out, until Jax, the last few years.

Jax is a close family friend, a widower, with two children who adore Kimberley.

Just when it seems Jax and Kimberley might take s chance on each other, major upheaval hits Kimberley’s life.

Many of Kimberley’s friends offer godly advice. Kim has just been starting to think about returning to her Heavenly Father. But now?

I loved this book for its southern flare mixed with simplicity. The faith challenges Kimberley and Jax face are very real. So much emotional trauma, balanced out by wonderful, healing humor. You won’t get very far before you are roaring out loud. One example: Jax says of his office full of women, all looking out for him, “had me more mamas than a blended family twice removed.”

I highly recommend Tangles and Tinsel by Jennifer Sienes if you want a contemporary Christmas romance chock-full of suppressed emotions that need healing and laughter that will help you remember the story for a long time to come.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own ebook. No positive review is required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“regret’s not gonna get you very far.”

“It was a powerful thing, being touched. For healing. For comfort. For loving.”

“Mistakes could be redeemed if we were willing to learn from them and let go.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! I really enjoyed this feel-good Christmas read

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 6

An Author’s Take, November 7

lakesidelivingsite, November 7

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 8

She Lives To Read, November 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 11

Exploring The Written Word, November 11

The Lit Lady, November 12

For Him and My Family, November 13

Karen Baney Reviews, November 14

Texas Book-aholic, November 15

Holly’s Book Corner, November 16

SusaniLovesBooks, November 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/28b2d/tangles-and-tinsel-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Purchase

Over the Horizon by Penny Zeller Review and Giveaway

October 18, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Over the Horizon

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 18, 2023

A most unusual proposal…

Alone in 1870s Idaho Territory, Paisley Abbott has nowhere to turn. With no other options, she finds herself consenting to an unconventional, but mutually beneficial agreement.

During an unplanned return to his family’s farm, prodigal Tyler Shepherdson inherits three orphans. When Tyler finds a woman hiding in the back of his wagon, an idea begins to form and he makes a rash decision that results in perhaps one of the most spontaneous marriages of convenience ever.

Despite an unorthodox beginning to their marriage, will Paisley and Tyler trust God as they forge ahead to create a home for three children? Will love arise from a desperate situation?

In the first book in the Horizon Series, travel to the late 1800s to the town of Horizon in the Idaho Territory with a cast of unforgettable characters, journeys of faith, and abundant humor.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith, love, and humor and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics and is now the author of nearly two dozen books. Penny is also a fitness instructor and resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America.

More from Penny

When I was a child growing up in a small farming community, one of our highlights was cramming into my aunt’s “White Machine”, her old, white, 1980s Mercury Monarch that sunk low in the back and higher in the front—all six, sometimes seven, of us, along with my mom and aunt. It was a crowded affair, with those of us who were oldest (me included) on the bottom, and the youngers piled on top, sometimes stacked three-high so we could all fit. My two siblings, along with my three, sometimes four, cousins looked forward to this event. We didn’t have a lot of money in those days, so scraping up the necessary funds proved challenging at times.

We’d cruise up to the local fast-food restaurant, and for twenty cents, my mom and aunt would treat us to ice cream cones, and they would order Tab sodas. The woman at the drive-thru had it memorized so she knew exactly what flavors and how many of each.

I was always one of the vanillas. The three boys (my brother and two cousins) had eating, or rather, inhaling contests, to see who could eat their ice cream the fastest, along with a brain freeze included at no extra charge.

Ice cream makes an appearance in Over the Horizon. My novel takes place in the 1870s in the Idaho Territory, and during my research, I discovered that a man named J. Easley owned an “Ice Cream Saloon and Confectionery Shop” in Idaho City in 1868. His advertisement provided inspiration for the fictional O’Dell’s Soda Fountain and Confectionery in the book.

Some other things I recently discovered about ice cream:

Ronald Reagan signed into effect National Ice Cream Day.

According to the International Dairy Foods Association, the top three favorite types of ice cream are chocolate, cookies n’ cream, and vanilla.

Most folks enjoy pizza and ice cream, but they may not like the combined flavors. Yes, there is pizza-flavored ice cream.

The ice cream cone was invented in 1904 by Syrian, Ernest E. Hamwi.

Over the Horizon includes a memorable cast of characters, all with their own distinct personalities. As such, it was fun to create a short character quiz, featured below, that includes a question about ice cream. I’d love to hear from you about which character you are most like, so be sure to take the quiz and let me know in the comments!

My Impressions

“You will marry me, Paisley. Your pa agreed to it.”

“…she was desperate. And sometimes, in those extremely desperate moments, one does foolish things.”

Penny Zeller is an upcoming author I look for, esp. in the world of historical fiction. Over the Horizon, book one of her series, Horizon, is set in Idaho Territory in 1872. I was quickly drawn into the narrative as Paisley Abbott resists the bullying attempts of Ivan Marchesi to marry her.

While Paisley’s escape isn’t unique in the book or movie world, the events, communication, and thoughts leading to her marriage to Tyler kept me reading. I love marriage of convenience stories, and loved seeing how much Paisley and Tyler had to learn to adjust in order to make the marriage work. “Besides, if he wanted his new marriage to grow and succeed, he’d have to mend the tension between them, just like mending the broken fence.” So realistic, this novel!! So like real life in its conflicts for newlyweds and new parents, esp. for those who are foster or adoptive parents. If you love children, your heart will go out to Albert, Lucy, and little Mae!!

I loved how Paisley kept the faith by reminding herself of God’s faithfulness in the past! We need to do the same in our own lives.

Paisley and Tyler’s problems, including those with Ivan, seem to increase after the marriage. The marriage is not easy, contrary to Tyler’s expectations. “…he knew nothing about being a father. Being a husband was likely much easier.” This made me howl!

Another recurring event that made me LOL was the way that Paisley wouldn’t lie. But she sure found some interesting, unique ways of tiptoeing around the truth!

I highly recommend this book! It is so heartwarming as it tells of five unique characters thrown together to create a family! Shades of late 1800s western Brady Bunch concept.

After reading the advance blurb for the next book, I cannot wait! It will be Mae’s story!

I received a copy of the book from the author. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“While he was ill-equipped at being a father and the burdens of caring for his new family seemed all too much, he would succeed by the grace of God.”

“Just remember, when you marry, it’s a vow forever—through the good, through the bad, and through the times in the middle.

“Say the right word this time, Tyler. Your future, and perhaps your life, may depend on it.”

“However, I serve a God who is the Author of miracles.”

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Magnificent! I enjoy Penny Zeller’s novels for the clean romantic forays into the old American West, mixed with Truth.

Blog Stops

She Lives To Read, October 9

Exploring the Written Word, October 9

Madi’s Musings, October 10

lakesidelivingsite, October 11

Alena Mentink, October 11

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 12 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 13

Mary Hake, October 13

Vicky Sluiter, October 14

Cover Lover Book Review, October 15

EmpowerMoms, October 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 17

Pause for Tales, October 17

Texas Book-aholic, October 18

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 19

For Him and My Family, October 20

Connie’s History Classroom, October 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 21

Holly’s Book Corner, October 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/285e2/over-the-horizon-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, Purchase

Love in the Headlines by Penny Zeller Review and Giveaway

May 10, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Love in the Headlines

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 9, 2023

Can paper and paw prints draw these two nemeses together?

All Carleigh Adams wants is a relaxing evening. But Sullivan Theodore IV, her wayward Shih Tzu, has other plans. After escaping from home, Sullivan Theodore unlawfully enters what Carleigh assumes is a stranger’s house via a doggy door. Much to Carleigh’s horror, it is actually the home of her coworker and nemesis, Trey “The Irritating” Montgomery.

Trey Montgomery has had to work with “Quirky Carleigh,” his top competitor for the best articles at The Oakville Daily, for the past two years. It’s safe to say that she and her criminally-minded pet are his adversaries. Trey’s attempts to keep his distance from her are demolished when their boss thrusts them together as The Oakville Daily Duo, forcing them to work as a team on every. Single. Article.

Petty crimes and crazy shenanigans in Oakville soon draw Carleigh and Trey into doubling as detectives. When dogs, including their own pets, begin to mysteriously disappear, Carleigh and Trey join forces to uncover the culprit. As they work to report the daily news and solve the crimes in Oakville, can these two stubborn reporters find love in the headlines?

Faith, plentiful humor, and tender romance round out the latest Christian contemporary romance novel by Author Penny Zeller.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Today Penny is the author of over a dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website, blog, and on Facebook.

Subscribe to Penny’s newsletter for writing updates, news about freebies and giveaways, and other fun morsels.

More from Penny

The Inspiration Behind Love in the Headlines

When the idea for Love in the Headlines popped into my head, I knew I wouldn’t have to go far to find the inspiration for Sullivan Theodore IV, the spunky and mischievous Shih Tzu in the story.

For, once upon a time, a little white puppy needed a home.

From the second my niece and nephews walked through the door with him, Sulley Jaxx became more than just a pet. He became a member of the family.

It’s definitely not uncommon for dogs to become members of families. However, Sulley’s adoption became even more special because of his new family.

Years ago, my mom suffered a serious accident and she subsequently became wheelchair-bound. Unable to live the active life she once did, she and my dad were blessed to be able to move into the “mother-in-law apartment” of my sister and brother-in-law’s house.

My niece, Ally, has been diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder, POTS, which can, at times, seriously interfere with her daily activities.

Enter Sulley.

My mom and Ally have what could only be considered as a “joint custody” arrangement. While Sulley’s favorite person is Ally, he is also quite partial to snuggling with my mom in her chair, and truly, my mom spoils him and lets Sulley get away with everything.

Sulley begs treats off a big softie known as my dad, aka Poppy, to his grandchildren, and Sulley runs like the wind with my nephew, Kolten. He recently gained a new admirer when my nephew, Seth, and his wife, Autumn, had their baby daughter.

And the inspiration behind the newspaper reporters? Back when video cameras were big, clunky, and oversized, my sister, cousin, friends, and I pretended to be reporters. We’d report and record the news, including some fun and very fabricated stories. Sometime I’ll have to do an archeological dig and locate those old VHS tapes.

I also wrote “articles” with friends and co-workers from my after-school job as the main characters of those articles. I wanted to be a reporter, and was blessed to be a photojournalist when my daughters were little. That launched my career as an author, my dream since I was in second grade.

Love in the Headlines takes readers on an enjoyable journey into a small, close-knit, American town where everyone knows everyone else. A town where faith and church are important. A slow-paced town where the newspaper’s main goal is to provide a family-friendly news outlet and everyone is excited when their photos or stories are featured. As Howard, the owner, says, “We should have an entire cache of great photos and well-written articles that will cause parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and everyone twice removed to purchase copies of The Oakville Daily.”

Love in the Headlines is a Christian contemporary romance with an enemies-to-lovers trope as the main theme. And, while most things in Oakville move at a relaxed pace, when a stranger begins committing crimes, including dognapping, Howard puts Carleigh and Trey, aka, The Oakville Daily Duo on the story. Will they realize their feelings for each other in the process?

With tender romance, faith, and abundant humor, I can’t wait for readers to meet Carleigh, Trey, Sullivan Theodore IV, Jaxx, and the rest of the gang.

My Impressions

Need to cleanse your reading palate after an emotional read? Love in the Headlines by Penny Zeller is just the solution. A light-hearted rom-com for dog lovers, you will laugh aloud often, maybe recognize your dog, and wonder at a small town that can be so close-knit.

Carleigh Adams and Trey Montgomery, competing writers for the small Oakville Daily, suddenly find themselves equal parts of the Oakville Daily Duo. They are assigned to work every story as a team. But this is one team that can’t stand itself!

This is a fun frenemy-to-lovers story. It borders on the cozy genre, but not quite. I loved seeing inside the slowly evolving thinking of both Carleigh and Trey. Their newsroom coworkers are interesting characters, as well. The dogs steal the show, as might be expected. I really enjoyed this part. It brought back memories of chasing our first Shih Tzu all over the neighborhood. Zeller captures the stubborn, lovable Shih Tzu personality perfectly. And the big dog/ Shepherd characteristics! How fun!

Chewie cheered on Sullivan Theodore IV all the way!!

Except when they cause trouble for Carleigh and Trey, or throw them together in one too many undesirable situations! Some great nods to the past with a vintage newspaper minivan that somehow had me channeling Scooby Doo.

Snippets of faith moments, laughter, gentle romance, and a clean, light mystery make this a novel that I would recommend to anyone.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit, plus I bought a copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Great fun! A clean, very humorous rom-com that incorporates faith and adorable dogs!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 11

Pause for Tales, May 12

She Lives to Read, May 13

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 14 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 14

Texas Book-aholic, May 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 17

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 19

Cover Lover Book Review, May 20

For Him and My Family, May 21

Bizwings Book Blog, May 22

Holly’s Book Corner, May 22

Splashes of Joy, May 23

Karen Baney Reviews, May 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/25f5a/love-in-the-headlines-celebration-tour-giveaway

Barbour, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, NetGalley, Purchase

The Bark of Zorro by Kathleen Y’Barbo Review and Giveaway

April 25, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: The Bark of Zorro

Author: Kathleen Y’Barbo

Genre: Christian/Cozy Mystery/Romance Fiction

Release date: April, 2023

Who Is Spray Painting the Dogs in Brenham, Texas?

Strange happenings are afoot in Brenham, Texas, as dogs start showing up at the Lone Star Veterinary Clinic with a Z spray painted on them. The cops blame pranksters, while pet owners are blaming each other. Receptionist Cassidy Carter uses her social media expertise to try to get the culprit caught on camera, but Texas game warden, Jason Cameron, thinks online media attention is the last thing this case needs. When Cassidy’s post goes viral, more dogs are found painted and the clinic gets marked with a big Z too. How could her good intentions have backfired so badly?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and bestselling author of more than one hundred books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she is a member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, Texas A&M Association of Former Students and the Texas A&M Women Former Students (Aggie Women), Texas Historical Society, Novelists Inc., and American Christian Fiction Writers. She would also be a member of the Daughters of the American Republic, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a few others if she would just remember to fill out the paperwork that Great Aunt Mary Beth has sent her more than once.

When she’s not spinning modern day tales about her wacky Southern relatives, Kathleen inserts an ancestor or two into her historical and mystery novels as well. Recent book releases include bestselling The Pirate Bride set in 1700s New Orleans and Galveston, its sequel The Alamo Bride set in 1836 Texas, which feature a few well-placed folks from history and a family tale of adventure on the high seas and on the coast of Texas. She also writes (mostly) relative-free cozy mystery novels for Guideposts Books.

Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband have their own surprise love story that unfolded on social media a few years back. They make their home just north of Houston, Texas and are the parents and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and one very adorable Londoner.

More from Kathleen

MEET BAXTER: LIFE THROUGH THE EYES OF A SCHNAUZER

Recently I’ve been working on a series of cozy mystery novels set in a veterinary clinic in Brenham, Texas. I love Brenham. It’s one of my favorite cities and I’m thankful that it’s very near to me. Without Brenham, there would be no Blue Bell ice cream.

But I digress.

While preparing for the release of the fourth book in the series, The Bark of Zorro, I thought about what drew me to writing this series, other than ice cream, of course. It didn’t take me long to realize it was the dogs. During the course of the series there are fancy pets and sassy strays, but they all have one thing in common: they steal our hearts.

Let me tell you about a pup that stole my heart.

Meet Baxter.

Baxter has very little stress beyond whether his water bowl stays full, his food bowl is consistently replenished, and his trips outside are not withheld. In short–which he is–Baxter is a low maintenance guy, er dog.

He makes our house a home and gives us ears to scratch and a built-in vacuum cleaner to handle any kitchen messes that reach the floor.

Unfortunately, this fellow has one rather annoying habit. He likes to walk a half-step ahead of me while looking back to be sure I am following. Not the best way to make progress of any kind. In fact, life would be much less complicated if Baxter would just let me do the leading while he does the following.

I said this recently. Aloud. Yes, to a Miniature Schnauzer. And as the words left my mouth, I was struck with the thought that maybe I am guilty of the same thing.

How many times have I gotten ahead of God only to realize He wasn’t having any of it? How many more times did I think I knew exactly where God was going–or what He was going to do–only to realize I was nowhere near close in my guess? Just as Baxter –who has appointed himself guardian of our home– sometimes barks when there’s nothing there, I too, let nothing (in the form of fear, worry, angst, or just plain imagination) grab my attention and hold it.

Here’s something else about Baxter: he’s small. Eleven pounds soaking wet small, to be precise. So small, my husband has to be careful where he steps lest he accidentally squash the poor pup with his size 13 shoes.

Though we’re physical much larger than my Baxter, I cam certainly relate to that feeling of being easily overlooked. Have you ever felt small? Really, really small? The kind of small where someone could walk right past and not even notice you?

Maybe it’s the people in your world who just don’t seem to know you’re there. Or it’s a goal you’ve long since given up accomplishing because it seems there are so many others doing it already.

Life can be that way. It’s all enough to make a person want to fade into the wallpaper or hide behind a potted plant. To make us feel as though we’re not at home, even when we are home.

I know that feeling. As a writer of Christian fiction for twenty years, I have been blessed to have sold more than two million copies of my more than one hundred novels, novellas, and nonfiction books. That’s anything but small. And yet when I look at all the amazing things that others have done, compare myself to others, well…small is exactly how I sometimes feel.

There’s just one remedy for that. Stop comparing! I’m a work in progress on this issue, but Baxter has this skill mastered. There are no comparisons in the Miniature Schnauzer world—something I could definitely learn.

Baxter has another side to him, a loyal and faithful side that I adore. Where I am, Baxter wants to be. My return from a brief trip away sends him into a crazy dance of joy that requires several rooms of the house to adequately perform. My presence is his source of joy and comfort.

So, the thought struck me: what if I looked at my relationship with God like that? What if I found contentment and joy merely in resting in his presence? What if I followed Him rather than leading? What if my home was filled with the evidence that God was not just welcome here but adored. What if…

I learned something years ago about this journey called the Christian life. The more I learn about the Lord, the more I realize how much I do not know and how very far away from any sort of perfection I am. That knowledge is sobering. Humbling.

And yet it is encouraging.

I wish you could all meet Baxter. But since you can’t check out The Bark of Zorro and the other books in the Gone to the Dogs series to meet our cast of fancy pets and sassy strays. I think you’ll like them and their humans. But then what’s not to like about a handsome game warden, a red-haired office manager with a penchant for her word-of-the-day calendar and the rest of the Lone Star Vet Clinic crew? Check them out and you’ll see!

My Impressions

Dog lovers of the reading world, come take a look at this fourth book in the Gone to the Dogs cozy series. I heartily recommend The Bark of Zorro by Kathleen Y’Barbo and its three predecessors! While Bark can read alone, it will give a few spoilers if the books are read out of sequence.

I was thrilled to be returning to the little town of Brenham, Texas, and the Lone Star Vet Clinic, plus the Second Chance Dog Rescue that keeps several of the clinic’s workers busy in their off-hours.

This time we are treated to Cassidy Carter’s story. She is the office manager for the vet clinic, as well as one of Mari’s volunteers at the dog rescue. The mayhem, hilarity, and whispers of romance start when Cassidy is called upon to rescue a dog by herself, in the dark, from an area that she grew up dreading.

Jason is the by-the-book new game warden, with a few secrets. He may have movie star looks, but he seems to have less-than-stellar regard for Cassidy and her ways, where a rescue justifies the means. As the two appear to become an item, can their romance survive their individual philosophies and commitments?

I loved that I was guessing about the perpetrator all throughout the book. Y’Barbo creates some unique and quirky characters that are memorable, even though they aren’t the main characters.

I had fun imagining with Cassidy and Nora what their new place would develop into. By now, I almost feel like I would like to try to draw a map of Brenham, as Y’Barbo and her series co-writer have made it seem so fun and appealing.

Y’Barbo throws some curve balls you won’t see coming which help muddle the mystery. There are a few loose ends in my mind, but they may be answered in the (yay)! remaining two books of the series.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.